Content area
Full Text
Petra Kendall-Raynor talks to NHS staffwho want to see an end to disability discrimination
The public sector equality duty came into force in April 2011 as part of the Equality Act.
Under the duty, NHS organisations in England, Scotland and Wales are required to eliminate unlawful discrimination and promote equality of opportunity.
Although NHS employers are legally bound to ensure fairness for employees (see box), some NHS staffbelieve that those with disabilities still experience discrimination.
Nurse consultant Bethann Siviter, who became disabled following an illness, says there remains a lack of insight into disability: 'Nurses contact me saying managers have told them their posts are not working out. These managers just see an employee who is taking more than giving. They do not see the positives that nurses with disabilities bring to patient care, such as empathy with patients and...